The Cyberspace Administration of China Clarifies the Cybersecurity Law

At a press conference held on the eve of its launch, China’s Cybersecurity authority, the Cyberspace Administration of China (the “CAC”), provided clarification on some aspects of the Cybersecurity Law - notably on the purposes and intended scope of some of its provisions. The critical point to note is that the law is now in effect despite several implementation regulations, measures or standards required by the Cybersecurity Law (“implementation regulations”) not being yet enacted. All network operators in China have been asked to self-regulate and ensure compliance. Here are five key points from the CAC’s clarification which may assist in ensuring compliance.